Action of the School Board Action of the School Board 02/22/16

Meeting Date:
Feb. 22, 2016

Board Chair
Tom Heidemann

Vice Chair

Marci Anderson

ACTION

of the School
Board
Anoka-Hennepin School District

Indian Education public hearing

The School Board welcomed Todd Protivinsky, principal on special assignment, who led
a detailed presentation regarding the Indian Education program. He stated that the program serves 380 students of the 600 who reside in the district. The board was introduced
to Indian Education staff and a detailed data report on student performance, education
supports and goals for increasing achievement. Protivinsky provided an overview of state
and federal grant proceeds that fund the program. The public hearing was opened and no
residents provided commentary for consideration.

Communications, delegations and petitions

The School Board did not receive any communications, delegations or petitions.

Elementary and secondary education
Treasurer
Bill Harvey

Clerk

Jeff Simon

Director

William Fields

Naviance demonstration

Jeff McGonigal, associate superintendent for high schools, introduced a team who provided
a detailed overview of the Naviance software program that supports students choices when
selecting career and/or college decisions.
The School Board invested in this system two years ago as a strategy to expand and support students and families as they process college and career decisions. Eric Feigum, career
and college specialist at Andover High School, explained how students in grades nine and
10 utilize the system. Colleen Neary, career and college specialist at Anoka High School,
explained ways the system is used by juniors and seniors. She highlighted the use of the
system for ACT test preparation, a key tool for college entrance.
Students in all five traditional high schools have access to a skilled college and career specialist who work in tandem with the Naviance system. Linda Anderson, director of student
services, assured the School Board that students and families are responding as anticipated
and commented on the high level of skill and dedication by the people involved as a key
factor in the success.

English language arts

In an effort to build a stronger foundation in reading and literacy skills, the Anoka-Hennepin School Board authorized a comprehensive review for new curriculum materials for
elementary schools. The system is anticipated to be in place for the 2016-17 school year.

Director

Nicole Hayes

ANOKA-HENNEPIN
SCHOOLS
A future without limit

Dr. Mary Wolverton, associate superintendent for elementary schools, led a detailed
presentation that highlighted the input of over 300 stakeholders, including 60 community
members, who provided feedback as part of the process. Materials under consideration
have been piloted in 44 classrooms in ten schools over the past six months. Ranae Case
Evenson, director of curriculum for elementary schools, Laura Bratland, teaching and
learning specialist, and Deb Day, K-2 reading specialist, presented on behalf of a 31-member committee of classroom teachers, specialists and building leaders assembled to guide
the process.
The recommendation includes selection of new materials supported by a seven-year professional development plan to serve Anoka-Hennepin students over an extended time period.
A decision to proceed is anticipated at the March 7 School Board meeting.